Faced with an uncertain job market impacted by the pandemic, I decided to take a gap year with my partner in the summer of 2020. We converted a broken down school bus into an off-grid home on wheels (colloquially referred to as a ‘skoolie’) and traveled around the United States.
I documented our build and travels on Instagram and quickly amassed thousands of followers. Our account was featured by the National Skoolie Association.
Nearly every piece of the interior conversion was completed using secondhand and repurposed materials.
One of my favorite details was our ceiling, which was compiled of tin panels sourced from a local junk yard. We brought these rusty panels back to life with a good power wash and fresh paint/sealant. Had to doublecheck our tetanus vaccine status for the install, but the result was breathtaking.
Bus Interior
Bus Exterior
Before & After
Meg Lloyd-Boonstra 